Under the well-trained eye of owner Sean Chaudhry, Cellar Door wine shop and bistro emphasizes the essence of ancient drink itself, curating a no-frills atmosphere that prioritizes quality of flavor above all. In allusion to the eatery's moniker—named for the simple phrase that author J.R.R. Tolkien famously called the most beautiful in the English language—straightforward combinations of globetrotting wines and grilled sandwiches, artisan cheeses, and charcuterie small plates blend together atop mesmerized palates.

More than 30 by-the-glass vintages hail from Spain, California, and Italy, and the staff encourages diners to select full bottles from the onsite retail shop, paying only retail price and a small corkage fee to eliminate unnecessary restaurant markup and taxes on drawn-out toasts. While their taste buds soak up new flavors, diners can challenge their brains to Wednesday trivia or tune their ears to live music on Fridays.